The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Surgeon) Antoine De Page, Belgian Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, during World War I. A distinguished surgeon and one of the pioneers in developing the modern treatment of battle casualties, Colonel De Page placed his eminent talents and extensive experience at the disposition of the Medical Department of the American Expeditionary Forces, and at all times lent his cooperation toward improving the treatment of the wounded. At his hospital at Le Panne, Belgium, he took an active personal interest in training medical officers of the American Army in the advances being made in battle surgery. Under his able supervision and guidance the observation and experience gained by these officers eventually resulted in saving the lives of many American wounded.